YPSILANTI, Mich. – A Ypsilanti renter says he’s been battling what he believes is mold in his bathroom for months and claims his apartment complex isn’t addressing it, even as he begins to experience health problems.
Eugene Hurd said the issue began as a small spot when he first moved into his unit, but has since grown despite his efforts to clean it regularly.
To some, the toilet may look simply dirty. Hurd is convinced it’s mold.
“Lysol, bleach, chemical spray, and lemon,” Hurd said, listing just some of the products he says he uses on the toilet every week. “Nothing seems to help it.”
Hurd said he also believes there is mold in other parts of the bathroom, like directly behind the toilet.
He said he reported the problem to the apartment’s management but felt his concerns were dismissed.
“When they came out, they said that we need to use the fan and that it’s moisture,” Hurd said. “So the hot and the cold, because this sweats, this sweats a lot, and he said there’s nothing they can do about it.”
Unsatisfied with that explanation, Hurd filed a complaint with the city in April against the property management company.
He said nothing had been fixed, and as he began to feel sick, he went to the doctor last week to report his concern about mold.
He was prescribed medication to treat upper respiratory symptoms.
Hurd then filed a second complaint with the city.
In response to questions about those complaints, the city of Ypsilanti said.
“We can confirm that both complaints have been received and addressed by city staff. The city was notified by both the landlord and tenant that the initial complaint was resolved after a violation notice was issued,” the city said.
Hurd disputes that the problem was ever resolved, but said he was encouraged by an email he received today regarding his latest complaint.
“Your complaint has been assigned to Inspector Jamaica Berry. Inspector will be reaching out to you,” Hurd read out loud.
Local 4 also contacted the property management for Hurd’s complex. The company did not respond to an email request for comment. A staff member reached by phone said she would pass along the message.
Hurd said he hopes that once the city inspects his unit and sees the conditions, his landlord will either fix the problem or help him move into another one of the company’s rentals.
The city of Ypsilanti recently launched an online form to make it easier for renters to report housing issues without visiting city offices in person. Residents can describe their concern, submit the form, and wait for a follow-up.
City officials said staff members respond within two business days of a complaint being filed by scheduling an inspection and, if necessary, issuing violation notices in accordance with city ordinances and building regulations.
The city typically receives one to two property maintenance complaints about rental properties each month. Before submitting a complaint, tenants must notify their landlord of the problem in writing and allow the landlord 10 days to make corrections.
If a landlord fails to respond or address the issue, then a property maintenance complaint form must be submitted to the city’s building department.